CAWSYD26 Opening Day Event

​The Opening Day of Climate Action Week Sydney will set the tone for a week of bold ideas, practical collaboration and climate leadership in action. Introducing the themes that will carry through the program, the day focuses on how Sydney — and Australia - can step confidently into a global leadership role.

​Bringing together 150+ leaders from government, not-for-profits, research, start-ups, corporates and community organisations, the event will explore the power of optimism and alignment — and why courageous collaboration, from communities to nations, must define the road to COP31 and beyond.

​The program will examine how Australia can align local action with global climate strategy — navigating energy transition, fossil fuel decline, and the pathway from COP30 to COP31 through coordinated leadership and cross-sector ambition.

​Confirmed speakers include:

• ​The Hon Chris Bowen MP

• ​Minister Penny Sharpe

• ​Lord Mayor Clover Moore

• ​Mary Robinson (virtual)

• ​David Hochschild (California Energy Commission)

• ​Alongside The Hon Matt Kean (Climate Change Authority), Danny Kennedy (clean tech entrepreneur), Kate Williams (1% for the Planet), Christina Hobbs (Future Super), Gerbrand Haverkamp (World Benchmarking Alliance), Saul Griffith (Rewiring Australia), Mary Jack (Pacific First Nations Elder & Vanuatu National Grassroots Women's Leader) with Jo Taranto as MC - and more speakers to be announced!

​Tickets are limited. A catered morning tea by OzHarvest will be provided and is included in the ticket price.